Home exteriors can be some of the most difficult spaces to keep clean and presentable. Places like the west coast can cause a lot of wear and tear to the outsides of homes due to weather and wildlife and, depending on where you live, salt accumulation from the nearby ocean. Whether it’s dust, dirt, grime, mould or moss, these environmental elements can quickly accumulate on your home’s exterior surfaces and cause costly damage or affect the aesthetic value of your home. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to keep your home exterior nice and clean.

STEPS TO CLEANING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

Here are some steps you can take yourself to clean the exterior of your home:

1. Start by removing debris from any gutters and downspouts. This will ensure that water can flow freely away from your house without being obstructed. Make sure you use a ladder safely when carrying out this task and wear gloves for protection against any sharp edges.

2. Pressure wash your home’s exterior walls with a quality machine or hire one if necessary. Keep the pressure low enough to avoid damaging any paintwork. For added safety, you can use a soft washer instead.

3. If necessary, apply a mould and mildew remover before gently scrubbing the affected areas with a brush or cloth.

4. Remove stubborn stains like oil or grease with either a degreaser spray or a detergent solution. This should not be done on brick surfaces as it can cause discolouration and damage.

5. Clean windows and frames of dirt, grime and cobwebs using soapy water and a sponge, cloth or soft brush. For more challenging window cleaning tasks, use microfibre cloths which can lift off even the most persistent dirt without leaving streaks behind.

6. Finally, apply a waterproof sealant to protect your exterior walls from moisture and water damage. This will help extend the life of your paintwork, as well as make it easier to clean in the future.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN CLEANING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

When carrying out any exterior cleaning, it is important to keep safety in mind. Before you start, read the instructions on any products you are using and ensure that the area is well ventilated. Wear appropriate clothing such as eye protection and gloves to protect yourself, and make sure all pets and children are kept away from the area. If you’re using a pressure washer or ladder, always practice extreme caution when handling these tools.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INSTEAD

If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the exterior cleaning yourself, or if you would like to save yourself the time and hassle, it is worth considering hiring a professional. They will be able to clean your home safely and efficiently, taking all necessary precautions for both you and your property. They will also be able to achieve a superior clean so that your home looks its absolute best.

By following these simple tips you can ensure that the exterior of your home stays looking its best all year round. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary however, so plan ahead and set aside regular time for these tasks to keep on top of them. Better yet, hire a professional and schedule regular cleanings according to their advice.

Thanks for reading! We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of keeping your home’s exterior looking pristine. Good luck with your exterior cleaning projects!